Still Waiting, Might As Well Tell You A Story...

    Not much new here, still waiting. I'm trying to get myself back into the habit of writing a blog entry once a week. I still have two and a half weeks left of school then I have some very large final papers due (two 10 pagers and 2 12-15 pagers) but once those are done I well be all set. I am also actually going on a pre-adventure adventure with my friend and fellow Hostess ala P.F. Chang's, Jess.  We are going to go up to Maine to go white water rafting. I have gone two times previously with my youth group and it was an absolutely mind blowing experience. I'm going to be doing that on the 17th-18th of May so I'm trying to decide if I should finish my papers before then because I don't want to waste my time if I'm just going to die before I get to hand them in. Joking. Kind of.
    So sadly not a whole lot of new things to share with you. I have to go get my license renewed before I leave (because I'll be turning 21 while I'm in Florida) and pack (which you know will be a disaster). I'm also in talks with some of the departments at school in hopes that I can get some sort of credit this time (I didn't last time so I've got three semesters and nine credits to go). 
   But I realized the other day that I never told you guys about my last day working at World Showcase. I feel like this blog also helps remind me of all the cool things I got to do (except the super secret ones that you'll never know). Therefore without further ado, and before I myself forget, I present my last day at Epcot:

    My last day at WSC I was assigned to Germany/Italy streets. A nice medium section, not too hard but definitely not boring (see:China/African Outpost). Although I will tell you I was hoping that on my last day I would finally get to do Morocco/ France streets. Never got to do Morocco/France, depressing.  I applied for an ER early in the day so I could leave at the same time as my friend Shawn (who was going to drive me to the airport the next morning, the beautiful soul that he is). He also ended up working Germany bussing and taking care of the eatery-style shops. My ER actually kicked in at 6:00 instead of 10:00 so I was sent home early. I don't think that any of the managers even knew it was my last day. But it was a great last day because I was cut before my trash run and I spent 90% of my day doing water Mickeys on every available surface (a little girl helped me fill one in so he looked more "Mickey-like") and trading pins with people, including this amazing couple that showed me all of their Haunted Mansion pins. Pin trading really helped me meet a lot of amazing people. There was one couple that was actually from Western Massachusetts and I got to talk with them about how their trip was going. I'll never forget some of the magical surprises that I got to pull off. I met a lot of kids from ESPN that last day too, because for some reason they wanted them to get to spend their last day at Epcot.
   When I received word over my radio of my super-extra early ER I panicked. But Shawn told me to get gone. One of the other women had actually volunteered earlier to help me with my trash run so she gladly took it over. And I walked my slow sad walk back out to the office. Just outside the office I was met by my trainer Carmelita who had two trainees for the upcoming program in tow. I was nearing blubberyness at this time so I couldn't tell her much except goodbye. With the two girls she was training though I felt some pull to impart some infinite wisdom or something to them. Not so much. But I knew that because they were coming and I was going they would be instrumental in my remaining friends lives. Needles to say (because I am a psychic) they were, and I actually got to re-meet the two girls when I went back down in July.  Heading into the office there was no one to accept my pan and broom (I will tell you some of the full timers were eyeing my pretty pan and broom those last few days) so I had to track down one of my managers and inform him, without squeaking out my tears, that I was leaving. He printed off some certificates for me, which I now have pinned to a bulletin board, and I said goodbye, leaving my pin trading lanyard with one of the other custodial women and my pan and broom dejected in a corner. I cleaned out my locker and headed back to my apartment where I immediately painted my fingernails black (Disney forbids black) and my roommate Jillian helped me dye some of my hair purple. Ah, rebellion.
    Then I went over to Jay's apartment ( Jay is seriously a god send and no that is not a play on the fact that his name is actually Jesus, I'm pretty lucky to have him and all of my Disney friends in my life) where I stayed the night and Shawn drove me to the airport in the morning.
   My family met me back at the Providence airport with a big welcome home banner and it felt like something out of a movie, especially because of the set up at T.F. Green where I was actually coming down an elevator which I almost got tackled to. Then I grabbed my luggage and headed home. My parents were kind of mad because I actually spent my first few days home cleaning out my room (if I didn't use it for five months I obviously really don't need it).
  When I got home I resigned myself back to school work and real life, picking up the job at P.F. Chang's. I never would have thought that I'd be in this position again, only a year after my nearly-tearly goodbye. But I am, and I am ready to rock.  

We Will Not Live In Fear

   I figured I should write this entry after the events of Monday. I'm really not sure how much this blog shows but I am from Norwood Massachusetts and go to UMass Boston. I will trust you with the secret that I spent Monday in bed trying not to throw up, with tears streaming onto my laptop.  I love Boston and it's people. Boston is historic and beautiful. It's been here a very long time. And: It's. Not. Going. Anywhere.
   I wasn't scared for myself on Monday, my tears were for the hundreds of people that were there when the explosions happened. But sadly, and luckily, the events of September 11th have primed our response time. I freaked out when I saw the news at the fire (as of yet linked) at the JFK Library . For those of you who don't know, UMass Boston is right next to the JFK on the same peninsula. I know some lovely and amazing people there and my heart burst for them.
    But if I know anything about Boston and Massachusetts in general, I know that we are strong. I always personified us as a group of bears. We're friendly and cuddly like Winnie the Pooh, until you make us mad.
    My love goes out to all those affected by this horrible event and I hope you are able to find some comfort in the love that Massachusetts and the rest of the world has for you. Stay strong.

DCP 2.0

   You'd think that me having done the program before would make this second time around super easy. Not so much. Although I will say everyone's pretty supportive about me doing it again.  I, on the other hand, am freaking out. First time around I had nearly four months to prepare; now I have just over a month. I'm hoping to work with UMass in an attempt to get credit this time (or at least take some online classes or something) in order to keep up because I am going to be a year behind now. Give or take a few spare credits for my former aspirations of Nurse-hood.  But this time around it's also a longer sent- I mean term. During the red hot Floridian summer. I'm really a fall girl myself.
    I've started some serious To-Do lists, planning pretty much every day from now until May 27th. That's my departure date. A little earlier than I'd expected. I have to renew my license before I leave because I turn 21 while I'm down there.  I need to finish school strong (which is looking like a scarier and scarier prospect every day). And I need to get there. But the flights booked, the date is set. Ready set go, right?
     I've started working on packing. I definitely overpacked last time, but I'm now going double the time so what is double packing? I'm actually coming home in September for my aunt's wedding so I can switch out some stuff then. But at least I know not to pack an absolute ton of business clothes.  I rarely wore them and they took up so much space in my suitcase. I need them for Traditions and for class (which I'm for some reason not eligible to sign up for during the summer. Hmmm..). I figure I'll just pack my P.F. Chang's blazer and pants and a few plain blouses that I can also wear on the off days. I also now know where to buy almost everything down there. I can also use the ship to store option to pick up my comforter and bedding at Walmart. Plus (because I really want to live at Vista Way again), I can grab soap and shampoo from Walgreens and The Dollar Tree right around the corner.
       The only real dilemma I'm facing now is whether or not to pick my roommate before I go down.  I absolutely loved my roommate Stephanie from my last program, we got along splendidly, and we had fun together even if we didn't get to see each other all the time. That being said, my roommates definitely helped me grow as a person and changed my perspective on living alone. It was tough at points but now looking back on it I love them all. I've joined a few groups on Facebook (which is how I met Steph last time) but without success. If you remember Steph and I were going to live at a one bedroom in Chatham but when we arrived the only options were the 4 bedroom in Patterson or the 3 bedroom at Vista. It actually worked at great and I would love to get another 3 bedroom at Vista. When I say that in the groups though, I think it scares people. Vista Way (aka "Vista Lay") has a pretty scary reputation as party central, which I know scared me away from the place too. But in reality it has the cheapest rent, it's close to my favorite place in the world (THE DOLLAR TREE. I'm rich at the Dollar Tree), and it's really not that bad. I personally thought it felt "homier" than the other complexes which appear to be bleached clean versions of hotels. If that floats your boat.  I'm considering possibly going down by myself and just requesting placement in a 3 bedroom at Vista. But I would at least like to know the person I'm going to share my bedroom with.  My ace in the hole though is my 21st birthday. I don't actually drink, but on my birthday I will be offered the ability to move into a new Non-wellness apartment, so if it doesn't work out then I will be able to move into a new place. And I might fanagle it to somehow live with one of my former roommates from last program. I don't know how I'll manage that, most likely by framing one of their roommates in some spectacular scandal. Kidding. I don't have the time for that. Possibly bribery...
   But yes, that is what I'm up to. I also shared this blog in the Custodial Fall/Fall Advantage 2013 group, so if any of you have any questions feel free to post them on here.  I'd love to offer help without sounding like a pain: *pompous accent* "Well on my program..."

Forgot about my awesome Water Mickeys.
Although they cannot compare to Andrew's!

Here We Go Again

     So, I have been back in school now for nearly a year following my Great Disney Adventure. Everything's been going swell, all the ups and downs and all arounds of life have been upon me. When I got home I got a second job at P.F. Chang's in Dedham because Disney had me so used to working 40+ hours a week that coming home and working 3-6 hours was a real difference. I've been very blessed in that I have met so many amazing beautiful people in the last year and been given so many new opportunities. I have kept in touch with my friends from Disney who live everywhere from New York, to New Jersey, Virginia, Iowa, Ohio, Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia and beyond.
      At the beginning of this semester I was given the opportunity to apply for a two week study abroad program in Italy through my school. I, unfortunately, did not get in. About an hour after receiving my "nice try" email, I put in my Disney College Program application for the second time, because as a friend of mine said: I was always good enough for Epcot's Italy. Also I have a lot of friends going back down at this time as well (e.g. jealousy). This application was a lot less planned then the last one, but I am now the proud owner of a second acceptance letter and a second chance. May I present myself as a Custodial Cast Member (again!) for Fall Advantage 2013:)

So hold on to your hats ladies and gentlemen, buckle your seatbelts, and please keep your hands and feet inside because we are going for a ride!

Chapter 12: The end

So I've officially been home for a week. Massachusetts is exactly the same as I left it, I was thinking that people were lying to me but its like this place was frozen in time. And that sort of makes me realize the drawbacks of it. In Florida everything's exciting and ever changing and there was always something for me to do. Massachusetts is calm and quiet and there's nothing to do after 8pm. I'm happy to be home, it's comfortable, but I wonder if my adventure changed my shape a bit, it feels like I don't really fit here anymore. Living in Florida made me a stronger, happier, more confident person. I know what I can handle, I can interact with strangers and handle tense situations. I'm becoming more comfortable in my own skin and with who I am, all thanks to the people I met and the experiences that I had down there. It's strange to think that I've only been away a few months, it feels like I really did go on an epic adventure, and if I felt like relating some of my more fun stories, you would understand that I really have, but those stories are going to be kept close to my heart, where I can treasure them and laugh at their awesomeness forever. I would recommend this program a million times over. Sure starting off was hard and it's not like every day was coming up roses,(my last three weeks it rained everyday. Every. Day.) but it was so totally worth it to have the memories, the experiences, and the friends that I made.  I did go seasonal, and I will be heading back down there soon, because I'll admit; Disney now owns a piece of my heart, but part of that is the amazing people that I met and fell in love with. Thank you guys for listening to me prattle on, its nice to get some brain exercise and get my thoughts out there one way or another. This may be the end of my Disney College Program adventure, but this experience has made me realize that there is so much more to do, life is an adventure.

Chapter 11: The Most Horrible Blogger in the World

So confession: I've sort of been too busy having fun lately to write a blog entry. Hope that didn't sting. I've just really thrown myself into this for the last two months. I wish I'd done it the whole time though and really taken advantage of this opportunity. I have some amazing friends down here and it hurts because, harsh reality: after this I'm probably not going to see them again. But right now I'm trying to this the right way. I'm working my butt off, hanging out with them all night, and using my few days off the right way. I hang out with all my coworkers which is great because we hang out while we're working too (double the clean. sort of..)  I've gone on many an adventure down here and I would recommend this experience to anyone. I love this place and wish I'd extended my program. But, second best; I'm becoming a seasonal cast member. I will be coming back in July to do my seasonal hours and then again in December/ January. I have to figure out a lot of things, such as living arrangements but I really love this place and I would probably come back to work here as a real employee someday. I'm gonna be honest and admit to myself that it'll never be exactly the same. This Friday half my friends are leaving and then next Thursday, I'm leaving. This experience could never be copied, simulated, or reanimated. I just wish that I'd done it right from the beginning, made every day count because right now I'm looking at the final countdown. I'm already starting to pack (just gotta figure out how I'm getting to the airport...).  But I'm going to leave you with some visual aids of my last few weeks:

Chapter 10: Countdown to Home

Being down here has definitely changed me. I feel more confident in myself, I'm more positive, and I have the skills to handle situations I never would have been able to tackle before. That being said, I am still the awkward Dorkzilla that left Massachusetts hoping for adventure. I remember when I left everyone kept warning me that I wouldn't want to come back home. I protested, because even though I hadn't left yet I already missed normalcy. Now I'm sadly beginning to feel that way. I miss the familiarity of home, being with my friends and family, and working at the library, but I've grown accustomed to this more independent style of living. I love being down here, (although I hate the weather down here, it's disgustingly humid. I feel like I'm baking in an oven *Ding* the Jillian cookie is ready!) I get to work all around the word (the ultimate study abroad), I work relatively independently, and I love the people that I work with and the people that I get to meet and talk to because I am a Disney Cast Member. I've met so many amazing families who have spared me a few minutes of their time to share their vacation with me. I've also been spending a lot of time hanging out with the custodial kids. It's nice, we're all different people and we probably would never have hung out with each other if not for working together. We definitely never would have met if not for this program.  I'm trying to make the most out of my remaining time here by hanging out with friends and going to the parks as often as possible. I will always remember the amazing times I've had down here, like knowing every word to Illuminations, pin trading with little kids (as well as serious collectors), the final wave, the amazing people I get to work with, taking family photos, making Magical  Moments, having my photo  taken with guests (I just had my photo taken with a group of Chinese businessmen), and my personal favorite from the other day; being asked if I was a princess and replying "Why no I'm not, but I mean most of them started off cleaning right? I'm just too impatient to wait for my knight and shining armor. (and a mite too feminist but what little kid would understand that?) I can't really sing though so that's out. But I mean I guess if I ever decided I wanted to be a princess, there are plenty of frogs around here. All I have to do is pucker up." 
But so just over a month until I go home, I hope to go back to writing an entry per week, but hey, come on, I'm a busy lady. And I'm easily distracted by shiny baubles and the temptation of sleep so we'll see how this works out.
P.S. Went to the beach yesterday with some friends. It was great. Except that I somehow wandered like 3 miles away. But that's a story in itself. For next time perhaps..